Guidance

The role of the Guidance and Counselling Service is to meet the personal, educational and vocational needs of students as they may arise.

The Guidance Counsellor links with students throughout their time in school. When new students begin in first year they are assigned a mentor, who supports them in the transition to second level. This First Year Transition Programme is co-ordinated by our Guidance Counsellor. When students join our school in First Year they are assigned a Mentor, who is a sixth year student and who will help them throughout their first month in school.

Guidance is provided to students to assist them in their education and vocational choices, through the medium of classes, information sessions and individual appointments. Through events such as our schools Careers & Courses Evening and Open Days students have the opportunity to talk to people directly involved in specific courses and careers. All students are taught how to use the multitude of resources available to assist them as they make their choices for after Leaving Certificate.

We have a recognised care structure, with the Care Team meeting on a weekly basis. The Guidance Counsellor is one member of the Care Team and works closely with those on the Care Team. We also have an established Student Support Team, who co-ordinate a variety of activities and programmes that run throughout the year. These link closely with the SPHE curriculum. Programmes include Mental Health Awareness activities, Friendship weeks, Cyber Safety & Awareness to name but a few.

Our school also has the service of a KDYS Youth Worker available to us on a weekly basis. The Guidance Counsellor links with her in the co-ordination and organisation of the variety of activities she engages with here in the school.

Parents

The Guidance Counsellor engages directly with parents at meetings throughout a student’s time in school and is always available to them for a private meeting on any area of concern.

How does a student meet with the Guidance Counsellor?

If they speak to the Guidance Counsellor they will be dealt with there and then if possible, otherwise they will be given an appointment.

Amber Team:

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine has an active Amber Team, who promote mental health awareness. The team, who took its name from the Amber Flag and the Cycle Against Suicide colours, are LC1 & LCA1 students who are interested in the promotion of various mental health awareness activities in our school and volunteer their free time to do this. The Guidance Counsellor works with the Amber Team in the organisation and running of these activities.

Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School & Amber Flag Awards:

We are a Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School. This is awarded to schools who have become actively involved in mental health promotion. We have also been awarded the Amber Flag for our work in the active promotion of positive mental health. Both students and the Guidance Counsellor work together to ensure that this important message is communicated to all in our school community.